Skaters from Russia and Belarus cleared to return as neutral athletes amid Ukraine war
Key takeaways
- Skaters from Russia and Belarus banned “exclusively in the interests of the safety of participants and the integrity of the competitions” can return to world championships and Grand Prix events next season.
- The International Skating Union said Tuesday that the ban triggered by Russia’s 2022 military invasion of Ukraine is over.
- The figure skaters, speed skaters and short track speed skaters will be allowed to participate as long as they have not supported the war in Ukraine.
The International Skating Union lifted a ban on skaters from Russia and Belarus. Russia’s Adeliia Petrosian, pictured, finished sixth in the Olympic women’s competition in February. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images) By Steve Henson Staff Writer Follow June 30, 2026 9:33 AM PT 4 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
See more from the L.A. Times in Google Search. Set us as preferred
Skaters from Russia and Belarus banned “exclusively in the interests of the safety of participants and the integrity of the competitions” can return to world championships and Grand Prix events next season.